Guayaquil airport attack victim buried in El Triunfo

Carlos Alberto Suástegui Villanueva, identified by authorities as a leader of the criminal group Los Águilas, was killed in a brazen armed attack at Guayaquil's José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport. The 39-year-old Ecuadorian citizen died on June 17, 2026, after being shot shortly after arriving on a flight from Central America, reportedly via Panama.

According to Interior Minister John Reimberg, Suástegui was a high-priority criminal target. The attack occurred outside the international arrivals terminal. Videos show two assailants, initially carrying stuffed animals and flowers, approaching Suástegui as he exited with his luggage. One attacker opened fire at close range, and a second assailant continued the shooting before they fled. Another individual was injured during the incident.

After the shooting, Suástegui was transported by vehicle for medical attention. However, Reimberg stated that several health centers refused to admit him. He was eventually taken to El Triunfo, where he was pronounced dead. Following an autopsy, his body was released to his family for a funeral and burial in El Triunfo, Guayas province. The funeral, held at his mother's home, drew a large crowd, with social media videos showing fireworks and horseback riders participating in the farewell, under military security.

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the deceased in the Guayaquil airport could enter Ecuador